GILL, RANA GEAR UP FOR DAKSHIN DARE

India’s most celebrated rallyist Gaurav Gill and defending champion Suresh Rana are set for a spectacular showdown in the tenth edition of the Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare which was flagged off amidst much fanfare from Orion mall in Bengaluru. The rally which is officially supported by the Karnataka government was flagged off by Sa Ra Mahesh, Karnataka’s tourism minister. The 2,000-kilometre long rally, beginning in Bengaluru and finishing in Goa on September 8, will test every driver’s skill, speed and courage over five gruelling days and is expected to keep motor sports fans in the country hooked. South India’s most demanding and alluring rally will traverse through treacherous terrains in Karnataka and Maharashtra before entering the picturesque locales of Goa, where the eventual champion will be crowned. Over 75 participants from different parts of the country will be seen in action, with Team Harjee Rallying capable of pulling off an upset or two too. Expressing his delight, R.S. Kalsi, senior executive director, marketing and sales said, “This year is very special for Maruti Suzuki as Dakshin Dare has achieved a historical ten year mark. What made a humble beginning a decade ago with only 20 competing teams, today stands with one of the most powerful and with 80 teams this season. We have seen an exponential rise in the women participants at the event.”